What's different in Richmond
Homes close to the river
An urban wildlife plan prepared for the City of Yarra in 2009 describes houses close to the Yarra River at River Street, with only a thin strip of trees and grass between them and the water. It also lists Burnley Park among the parks with potential as wildlife habitat and links.
Possum numbers jump in early summer
That plan says far greater possum numbers are reported in November and December, as newly independent young leave their mothers. If the thumping above your ceiling has just started, that may be why.
Feeding them backfires
The plan discourages feeding possums and recommends possum proofing rubbish bins, because food from people can push numbers up. It's a small change, and it helps.
When the problem is next door
Rats and cockroaches don't stop at a party wall (the wall between two attached homes). If you're in a row, ask the neighbours what they're seeing, and ask the technician whether treating one side alone is likely to hold.
Scratching overhead isn't always a possum. Victoria's Department of Health says roof rats nest in buildings and roof voids, particularly in built-up areas. Light scurrying and gnawing points to rodents, while heavy thumping around dusk points to a possum.
Renting in Richmond: who deals with it?
| Renter may be responsible | Rental provider may be responsible | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical case | Rubbish drew ants, mice or cockroaches, or a pet's fleas weren't treated | Pests were there at move-in, or a building fault such as a hole in the roof let them in |
| If you can't agree | Apply to VCAT for a decision | Apply to VCAT for a decision |
Consumer Affairs Victoria says the law doesn't always spell out who's responsible, so read those as leanings, not rules. Pests tied to the building that make a rental unsafe or unsecure count as an urgent repair, and rental providers have to supply vermin proof bins.
Our take on pests in Richmond
If it's thumping at dusk, assume a possum until someone shows otherwise, and put your money into proofing the roof. Renting? Write to your rental provider first, then tell us what you've seen and your postcode.
Want someone to look at it?
Tell us what you've seen and your postcode, and a local pest business that handles exactly that calls you to talk it through.
